SkyTeam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SkyTeam
Launch date22 June 2000; 23 years ago (2000-06-22)
Full members19
Destination airports1,150+[1]
Destination countries175[2]
Annual passengers (M)630[3]
Fleet size3,054
HeadquartersSchiphol Airport
Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
Management
Alliance sloganCaring more about you[1]
Websitewww.skyteam.com

SkyTeam is one of the world's three major airline alliances. Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam was the last of the three alliances to be formed, the first two being Star Alliance and Oneworld, respectively. Its annual passenger count is 630 million (2019), the second largest of the three major alliances.[6][7][8] As of January 2019, SkyTeam consists of 19 carriers from five continents and operates with the slogan "Caring more about you". It also operates a cargo alliance named SkyTeam Cargo, which partners ten carriers, all of them SkyTeam members. Its centralised management team, SkyTeam Central, is based at the World Trade Center Schiphol Airport on the grounds of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands.[9][10]

As of November 2019, SkyTeam flies to more than 1,150 destinations in more than 175 countries and operates more than 14,500 daily flights. The alliance and its members have 750 lounges worldwide.[11]

Membership history[edit]

Formation and early years[edit]

Schiphol World Trade Center, where SkyTeam is headquartered.

On 22 June 2000, representatives of Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico, Air France, and Korean Air held a meeting in New York to form a third airline alliance.[12] These became the four founding carriers of SkyTeam. Upon its formation, SkyTeam would offer its customers a total of 6,402 daily flights to 451 destinations in 98 countries. In September 2000 (2000-09), the alliance established a cargo alliance, SkyTeam Cargo. The group's inaugural members were Aeromexpress, Air France Cargo, Delta Air Logistics and Korean Air Cargo.[12] The following month, the newly established airline alliance announced its intentions to incorporate CSA Czech Airlines as the 5th member in April the following year.[13]

The alliance saw the joining of CSA Czech Airlines on 25 March 2001;[14] Alitalia entered SkyTeam on 27 July the same year,[15] with its membership scheduled to become effective 1 November that year.[16] On 30 September 2001, the alliance received KLM's application for membership, following the airline's plans to create a leading airline group with Air France.[17] In 2003, Delta's subsidiary, Delta Express, was replaced by Song.[18][19] That same year, SkyTeam also launched an improved website focused on providing passengers with more information, increased interactivity and other resources.[20]

2004: First major expansion[edit]

Aeroflot Boeing 777 departs Hong Kong International Airport.

On 24 May 2004, Aeroflot signed a memorandum of understanding with SkyTeam as it intended to become a full member. The event took place in Kremlin following the airline's application earlier in the year for membership.[21][22] SkyTeam expressed that Aeroflot has not met the consortium's standards, but that the airline's large hub networks made it ideal for the alliance, and made up for its deficiencies.[23]

On 28 August, China Southern Airlines, the largest carrier in the People's Republic of China, signed a preliminary agreement in Guangzhou in its bid to become a full member.[24] In the presence of a number of Chinese and airline officials, Yan Zhiqing, the chairman of China Southern Airlines, said, "This agreement-signing event is an important step forward into the future for China Southern Airlines to adapt itself to the need of further reforms and opening to the international community, as it will strengthen the airline's international cooperation and global competitiveness."

On 13 September, Continental Airlines, KLM and Northwest Airlines joined the alliance.[25][26] Their simultaneous entry was the largest expansion event in airline alliance history. As a result of the three new members, SkyTeam surpassed Oneworld to become the second largest airline alliance, serving more than 341 million customers with 14,320 daily flights to 658 destinations in 130 countries.[25]

2005–2006[edit]

Even though member CSA Czech Airlines pledged to help Malév Hungarian Airlines become an associate member of the alliance (as opposed to a full member, an associate has no voting rights), Malév Hungarian Airlines opted to join the Oneworld airline alliance, signing a memorandum of understanding late in May. A few days later, SkyTeam announced four new associate members due to join by 2006, each one being "sponsored" by an existing member: Madrid-based Air Europa (sponsored by Air France), Panama-based Copa Airlines (sponsored and partly owned by Continental Airlines), Kenya Airways (sponsored and partly owned by KLM) and Romania's TAROM (sponsored by Alitalia).[27] Every associate adopted a frequent-flyer program of a full member: Copa Airlines already used Continental's OnePass;[28] Kenya Airways and Air Europa used Air France–KLM's Flying Blue.[29]

Following a 23-month joining process since May 2004 (2004-05),[30] Aeroflot joined on 14 April 2006.[31] It was the first Russian airline to be associated with any airline alliance.[32][33] Aeroflot has increased its operational standards, passing International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Delta's subsidiary Song continued to operate as Delta Air Lines.[34] In June, it was announced that Portugália would become the alliance's next associate member candidate.[35] However, in November, rival airline and Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal, purchased 99.81% of the airline, bringing a sudden end to its candidacy.[36]

2007: Expansion[edit]

On 4 September 2007, Air Europa, Copa Airlines,[nb 1] and Kenya Airways became members of SkyTeam's Associate program,[37] which was launched to serve airlines in strategic regions which intended to become affiliated with the alliance.[38][39] China Southern Airlines joined SkyTeam on 15 November to become the 11th full member and the first carrier from China to join the alliance.[40][41]

2008–2009: Departure of airlines and new initiatives[edit]

An Alitalia Boeing 767-300ER in SkyTeam special livery on approach to Fiumicino Airport in 2009.

In June 2008 (2008-06),[42] following an agreement between Continental Airlines and United Airlines,[43] the former, as well as Copa Airlines, announced their intentions to move to Star Alliance after Continental's final flight with SkyTeam on 24 October 2009.[44][45][46] That day, as announced, Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines simultaneously left SkyTeam.[47][48] Continental Airlines joined Star Alliance three days later;[49] at the time, it was rumored that the switch was Continental's initial move in a United–Continental merger.[50]

In April 2009 (2009-04), the alliance signed a preliminary agreement with Vietnam Airlines for the airline to become a full member in 2010.[51] Also in 2009, Alitalia-Linee Aeree Italiane re-launched operations as the new Alitalia,[52] and the alliance announced initiatives towards a centralized management based in Amsterdam.[53] The consortium also named a new managing director, Marie-Joseph Malé, outlined a timeline for the opening of its co-located facilities at London Heathrow Airport, and unveiled a new special livery.[53]

In September 2009 (2009-09), Olympic Air entered into a codeshare agreement with Delta, a deal that was part of Olympic's intention to join SkyTeam and engage in further discussions with Delta's joint venture partner Air France–KLM.[54][55][56][57] However, ties were cut in 2013 after Star Alliance member Aegean Airlines acquired Olympic Air.

Tenth anniversary[edit]

To start off 2010, Northwest Airlines' and Delta Air Lines' operating certificates were officially combined on 1 January,[58] while on 9 March, China Southern Airlines announced its plans to join SkyTeam Cargo.[59][60][61] With membership expected to be granted in November the same year, the airline was to be the first Chinese carrier to join a global air cargo alliance.[59] On 16 April China Eastern Airlines announced its intention to join SkyTeam, with the official joining ceremony initially expected to occur by mid-2011.[62][63] The announcement came shortly after the airline's merger with Shanghai Airlines, a member of SkyTeam's rival Star Alliance.

A Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350-900 XWB sporting the SkyTeam special livery at Taoyuan International Airport.

On 10 June, Vietnam Airlines became a full member following a joining ceremony held in Hanoi.[64][65] The airline became the first SkyTeam carrier from Southeast Asia, where Star Alliance has a strong presence through Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International. With an extra 20 unique destinations added to SkyTeam's route map, Vietnam Airlines helped to strengthen the alliance's foothold in the region.[64]

A TAROM Boeing 737-700 in SkyTeam special livery on short final to Brussels Airport in 2011.

On 22 June, the CEOs and chairmen of the 13 member airlines gathered in New York to celebrate the alliance's 10th anniversary.[66] During its first decade of operation, the world's second largest airline alliance more than tripled its membership, doubled its flights and nearly doubled its destinations.[67] On the same day, SkyTeam announced that it had renewed its membership program, thereby upgrading Air Europa, Kenya Airways and TAROM statuses from associate to full members.[68] During the ceremony, the Board outlined its plans to recruit members from Latin America, South America and India.[67] Three days later, TAROM officially became the 13th SkyTeam member.[69] As a part of the celebration, SkyTeam offered reductions of round-the-world fares[70] and other promotions. Following the 10th anniversary, SkyTeam intended to enhance customers' travel experience and deepen cooperation among its members to supplement the expansion into regions that are yet to have SkyTeam members.[71]

In South America, India and Africa, it is clear there will be a significant battle for positioning to lure good carriers in your alliance.

— Leo van Wijk, chairman during a 10th anniversary event of SkyTeam[72]
Czech Airlines Boeing 737-500 in SkyTeam special livery in 2012.

During the year, Delta Air Lines offered US$1.02 billion to Japan Airlines after the Asian airline filed for bankruptcy due to US$26 billion debt,[73] at the same time lobbying Oneworld's largest member in Asia to switch to SkyTeam.[74] Delta, along with American Airlines, wanted Japan Airlines to be in their respective alliances to benefit from the U.S.–Japan Open Skies agreement. Eventually, Japan Airlines opted to remain at Oneworld, citing that the transfer to SkyTeam would confuse its passengers and may not gain antitrust immunity from U.S. regulators.[75]

SkyTeam received its second application for full membership within a five-month time-span. China Airlines, Taiwan's flag carrier and largest airline, announced in mid-September that it had formally started the joining process.[76][77][78] Upon joining, the airline's route network supplemented those of China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, allowing cooperation among the three airlines. The following month, Aerolíneas Argentinas signed an agreement to officially start the process of becoming the first South American SkyTeam member. The airline was set to join in 2012.[79][80][81]

On 1 November, Shanghai Airlines exited from Star Alliance to join SkyTeam in the future under its parent company, future SkyTeam member China Eastern Airlines. This bolstered SkyTeam's presence in the People's Republic of China and surrounding areas, making the SkyTeam the number one alliance in the region.[82] Garuda Indonesia formally started its joining process on 23 November and was scheduled to be integrated by 2012.[83] Upon joining, the airline became the second Southeast Asian airline to join SkyTeam, therefore challenging Star Alliance's dominance in the region through Thai Airways International and Singapore Airlines.

2011–2014: Second major expansion[edit]

Membership of Xiamen Airlines was activated in November 2012 (2012-11).[84]

On 10 January 2011, Saudi Arabian Airlines signed an agreement to join SkyTeam in 2012.[85] On 28 February the same year, Middle East Airlines agreed to join the alliance.[86][87] Member airlines Delta and Air France–KLM appointed Goldman Sachs in late February 2011 (2011-02) to advise them on a potential bid for Sir Richard Branson's 51% stake in Virgin Atlantic, which could lead to the airline joining SkyTeam and would sharply increase the alliance's footprint in London. Rivals Star Alliance and Etihad Airlines were also investigating competing options with regard to Virgin Atlantic.[88] China Eastern Airlines joined the alliance on 21 June 2011, along with its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, to become the 14th member.[89][90] Later in 2011, on 28 September, China Airlines joined the alliance.[91] In November the same year, Xiamen Airlines committed to be incorporated as a full member by the end of 2012,[92] with their entry supported by China Southern Airlines.[93]

A Saudia Airbus A330-300 taxing for takeoff at Atatürk Airport wearing the SkyTeam livery.

On 29 May 2012, Saudi Arabian Airlines became both the first carrier in joining the alliance in 2012 and the first one based in the Middle East, which brought the total members to 16.[94][95] The same day of its incorporation, Saudi Arabian Airlines was renamed to Saudia.[96] Middle East Airlines became the 17th member of the alliance a month later, following its incorporation on 28 June 2012.[97][98] On 29 August 2012, Aerolíneas Argentinas became the first South American and the second Latin American airline in joining the alliance,[99][100] bringing the number of members to 18.[101] Following its incorporation on 21 November 2012, Xiamen Airlines became the fourth member in Mainland China,[84] with the overall number of members in the alliance rising to 19.[102][103][104] In late June 2013 (2013-06), the Russian newspaper Kommersant published an article that mentions that Aeroflot was considering leaving the alliance over disagreements with Delta on the pricing on some routes to North America. The report also mentioned that the Russian carrier was considering joining Star Alliance.[105] In order to assess the benefits of the SkyTeam membership, a study was carried out in July; following it, the Aeroflot board reaffirmed its position within the alliance in September 2013 (2013-09).[106]

Garuda Indonesia became the 20th member of the alliance on 5 March 2014.[107][108][109] Garuda initially expected to gain SkyTeam membership in 2012, but the joining process took 40 months to be completed.[110]

2015–present: Stability[edit]

In November 2018, China Southern Airlines announced that it would leave the alliance effective 31 December 2019 (2019-12-31).[111]

On 4 November 2019, the International Airlines Group (IAG) announced it was buying Air Europa for €1 billion and that the airline would leave SkyTeam if the deal succeeded.[112][113] The COVID-19 pandemic and antitrust concerns derailed the acquisition, though negotiations resumed in March 2022 when IAG agreed to grant Air Europa a €100 million loan convertible into a 20% stake.[114][115][116] In February 2023, negotiations were completed and IAG agreed to buy the remaining 80% stake in Air Europa (which it plans to keep as a separate brand but have managed by Iberia) for €400 million, subject to European regulatory approval.[117][118][119]

On 15 October 2021, Alitalia ceased operations, therefore departing the alliance.[120] Its successor, ITA Airways, joined SkyTeam on 29 October 2021.[121][122][123] In 2023, the Lufthansa Group, after confirming its initial acquisition of 41% of ITA Airways, said its plans included gaining total ownership of ITA's shares by 2028 and having the airline leave SkyTeam and join Star Alliance. Its plans, however, remain subject to approval by the European Commission.[124][125][126][127][128] The regulator's verdict is expected by 6 June 2024.[129]

In February 2022, both Delta and KLM announced the suspension of their codesharing agreements with Aeroflot in connection with the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[130][131] Subsequently, on 27 April, SkyTeam and Aeroflot announced that Aeroflot's membership with the alliance was suspended.[132]

On 2 March 2023, Virgin Atlantic officially joined the alliance, making it the 19th member of the alliance.[133]

On 3 October 2023, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced that a consortium of Castlelake, the Danish state, Air France–KLM and Lind Invest ApS will be the new majority shareholders of the company, and that it would eventually join the SkyTeam alliance, giving up their founding membership of Star Alliance.[134] If the purchase approved by the European Commission, SAS will be the alliance's 20th member while Aeroflot remains suspended.

Member airlines[edit]

Full members and their member affiliates[edit]

Aeroméxico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air are the four founding members of the alliance.

As of August 2023, the following airlines are members of SkyTeam:[135]

Member airline Joined Member affiliates
 Argentina Aerolíneas Argentinas 29 August 2012[100]
 Mexico Aeroméxico[nb 2] 22 June 2000
 Spain Air Europa 4 September 2007[37]
 France Air France[nb 2][nb 3] 22 June 2000
 Taiwan China Airlines 28 September 2011[91]
 China China Eastern Airlines 21 June 2011[90]  Shanghai Airlines[90]
 Czech Republic Czech Airlines 25 March 2001[14]
 United States Delta Air Lines[nb 2] 22 June 2000
 Indonesia Garuda Indonesia 5 March 2014[107]
 Italy ITA Airways 29 October 2021[122]
 Kenya Kenya Airways 4 September 2007[37]
 Netherlands KLM[nb 3] 13 September 2004
 South Korea Korean Air[nb 2] 22 June 2000
 Lebanon Middle East Airlines 28 June 2012[97]
 Saudi Arabia Saudia 29 May 2012[95]
 Romania TAROM 25 June 2010[69]
 Vietnam Vietnam Airlines 10 June 2010[64]
 United Kingdom Virgin Atlantic 2 March 2023[137]
 China XiamenAir 21 November 2012[104]

Suspended members and member affiliates[edit]

Suspended member airline Joined Suspended Member affiliates
 Russia Aeroflot 14 April 2006[31] 28 April 2022[138][132]

Former members and member affiliates[edit]

Former member airlines and their affiliates[edit]

Former member airline Joined Exited Member affiliates
 Italy Alitalia 27 July 2001[139] 15 October 2021  Alitalia CityLiner[140]
 China China Southern Airlines 15 November 2007[41] 31 December 2018[141][142]
 United States Continental Airlines[nb 4] 13 September 2004[143] 24 October 2009
 United States Northwest Airlines[nb 5] 13 September 2004[144] 31 January 2010

Former affiliate members of current full members[edit]

Former member affiliate Country Joined Exited Member affiliate of
Aerolitoral[nb 6] Mexico
2000
2007
Aeroméxico
Aeroméxico Travel[nb 7] Mexico
2008
2011
Aeroméxico
Brit Air France
2000
2013
Air France
Comair United States
2000
2012
Delta Air Lines
Delta Express[nb 8] United States
2000
2003
Delta Air Lines
Dobrolet Russia
2013
2014
Aeroflot
Régional France
2001
2013
Air France
Song Airlines[nb 9] United States
2003
2006
Delta Air Lines

Former associate members[edit]

Former associate member Country Joined Exited Member affiliates
Copa Airlines Panama 4 September 2007[37] 24 October 2009[145][146][nb 10]

SkyTeam Cargo[edit]

SkyTeam Cargo is the cargo division of SkyTeam. As of April 2019, the cargo alliance comprised twelve members from the passenger alliance: Aeroflot Cargo, Aeroméxico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Alitalia Cargo, China Airlines Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, Czech Airlines Cargo, Delta Cargo, KLM Cargo, Korean Air Cargo and Saudia Cargo.[149] Aerolíneas Argentinas Cargo, the cargo division of Aerolíneas Argentinas, joined the alliance in November 2013 (2013-11).[150] Saudia Cargo joined the alliance on 15 April 2019.[151]

[edit]

SkyTeam launched a special livery in 2009, coinciding with the alliance's 10th anniversary, with Delta Air Lines being the first airline to paint one of its aircraft with these colours. The livery consisted of an all-metallic silver fuselage and a dark blue empennage with SkyTeam's logo on it. The alliance emblem is painted on both sides of the fuselage. Except Air France and Virgin Atlantic, all members’ aircraft painted in an airline's regular livery have the SkyTeam logo between the cockpit and the first set of cabin doors.[citation needed] As of August 2016, the SkyTeam livery was worn by 52 aircraft.[152]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Copa's subsidiary Aero República was never part of the alliance.[28]
  2. ^ a b c d Founding member[136]
  3. ^ a b Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are part of the airline holding company Air France-KLM.
  4. ^ Left the alliance to join Star Alliance with United Airlines.
  5. ^ Northwest Airlines' operating certificate was combined with that of SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines.
  6. ^ A founding affiliate member; was relaunched as Aeroméxico Connect.
  7. ^ A former charter division, whose operations became part of Aeroméxico.
  8. ^ A founding affiliate member; replaced by Song Airlines.
  9. ^ Song's operations were re-absorbed into Delta's fleet, upon Song ceasing operations in 2006.
  10. ^ Joined Star Alliance in mid-2012.[147][148]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "SkyTeam Alliance – About Us – SkyTeam". skyteam.com.
  2. ^ "Fact & Figures". SkyTeam. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016.
  3. ^ "SkyTeam FACTSHEET Summer 2017." Archived 3 November 2017 at the Wayback Machine. SkyTeam FACTSHEET Summer 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  4. ^ "Management". SkyTeam. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  5. ^ Walker, Karen (3 June 2016). "Delta exec appointed SkyTeam CEO". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Star Alliance Facts and Figures – Star Alliance Employees". portal.staralliance.com.
  7. ^ "SkyTeam FACTSHEET 2019." Archived 29 August 2019 at the Wayback Machine. SkyTeam FACTSHEET 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  8. ^ "oneworld honoured as 'best airline alliance' twice over – again". Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  9. ^ "Welcome to WTC." World Trade Center Schiphol. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  10. ^ "Contact Us Archived 11 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine." World Trade Center Schiphol. Retrieved 7 February 2011. "World Trade Center Schiphol Airport Schiphol Boulevard 105 1118 BG Schiphol The Netherlands."
  11. ^ "Fact Sheet" (PDF). SkyTeam. November 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 January 2019.
  12. ^ a b "History – 2000". SkyTeam. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013.
  13. ^ "CSA joins SkyTeam as Aeroflot and Alitalia wait in wings". Flight International. 24 October 2000. Archived from the original on 9 June 2014.
  14. ^ a b "A History of SkyTeam". Breaking Travel News. 27 July 2001. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  15. ^ "History – 2001". SkyTeam. Archived from the original on 9 June 2014.
  16. ^ Wastnage, Justin (7 August 2001). "Alitalia admitted to Air France/Delta-led alliance". FlightGlobal. Rome. Archived from the original on 10 June 2014.
  17. ^ "SkyTeam Welcomes KLM Application for Membership" (Press release). SkyTeam. 20 September 2001. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  18. ^ Pack, Todd (14 April 2003). "Delta's low-cost airline a different Song". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 11 March 2015. 
  19. ^ Wong, Edward (29 January 2003). "Take 2 for Delta and Its Low-Cost Carrier". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 11 March 2015. 
  20. ^ "SkyTeam Launches Enhanced Web Site to Improve the Passenger Experience" (Press release). SkyTeam. 11 June 2003. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  21. ^ "SkyTeam Signs MOU With Aeroflot; Agreement preliminary step in new member joining process" (Press release). SkyTeam. 24 May 2004. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  22. ^ "Aeroflot plans to join SkyTeam alliance". Atlanta Business Chronicles. 24 May 2004. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  23. ^ "Aeroflot eyes Sky Team membership". BBC News. 29 January 2004. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  24. ^ "SkyTeam Signs Agreement With China Southern Airlines; Agreement preliminary step in new member joining process" (Press release). SkyTeam. 28 August 2004. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  25. ^ a b "Continental, KLM And Northwest Join The SkyTeam Alliance; Solidifies Position as a Leading Global Alliance" (Press release). SkyTeam. 13 September 2004. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  26. ^ "NWA, KLM & Continental join Skyteam Alliance". Manila Bulletin. 20 September 2004. Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  27. ^ Farrar, Loren (10 June 2005). "SkyTeam to add four carriers to new Associate Program". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  28. ^ a b Sobie, Brendan (11 February 2010). "Copa expects mid 2010 alliance decision". FlightGlobal. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Copa Airlines was independent until 2005 when it became a SkyTeam associate member. Colombian sister carrier Aero Republica, which is also owned by Copa Holdings, has always been independent although like Copa it is part of Continental's OnePass frequent flier programme.
  29. ^ "Best Frequent Flyer Program | SkyTeam". Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  30. ^ "SkyTeam Signs MoU With Aeroflot". FlightGlobal. 1 June 2004. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  31. ^ a b "Aeroflot joins SkyTeam". Air Transport World. 17 April 2006. Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  32. ^ "Aeroflot Joins the SkyTeam Alliance Tenth Member Strengthens Position as a Leading Global Alliance and Extends Route Network into High Growth Markets" (Press release). SkyTeam. 14 April 2006. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  33. ^ "Aeroflot sheds Soviet image to join 'SkyTeam'". Forbes. 14 April 2006. Archived from the original on 20 September 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
  34. ^ Maynard, Micheline (28 October 2005). "Delta to Discontinue Its Low-Fare Song Airline". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  35. ^ "Portugalia signs with SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. Paris. Airline Business. 4 June 2006. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  36. ^ SkyTeam Focused on Alliance Development as Portugalia Airlines Becomes Associate Airline Candidate; China Southern Makes Progress Toward Membership Governing Board provides recruitment, network and services updates from http://www.skyteam.com Archived 21 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine 2 June 2006
  37. ^ a b c d "SkyTeam welcomes Air Europa, Copa, Kenya as associates". Air Transport World. 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  38. ^ "SkyTeam Strengthens Global Network with Addition of Three Associate Airlines Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways Officially Join SkyTeam Associate Program" (Press release). SkyTeam. 4 September 2007. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  39. ^ Kafu Abotsi, Pascal (6 September 2007). "Kenya Airways And Two Others Join Sky Team". AllAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. (subscription required)
  40. ^ Cantle, Katie (16 November 2007). "China Southern formally joins SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 14 August 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  41. ^ a b Francis, Leithen (15 November 2007). "China Southern officially joins SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. Singapore. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  42. ^ Field, David (23 July 2008). "Continental's alliance switch alters balance of power in US". FlightGlobal. Airline Business. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2012. After rejecting an outright merger with Star member United, Continental unveiled plans in June to leave SkyTeam next year and join Star.
  43. ^ Karp, Aaron (20 June 2008). "Continental, United reach extensive cooperation pact; CO to join Star". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  44. ^ Ranson, Lori (27 May 2009). "Copa sets official SkyTeam exit date". FlightGlobal. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  45. ^ Sobie, Brendan (24 November 2008). "TACA and Copa line up to join Star Alliance". FlightGlobal. Washington, D.C. Airline Business. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  46. ^ Sobie, Brendan (21 November 2008). "Copa and TACA poised to join Star". FlightGlobal. Cancún. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  47. ^ "Other News – 05/18/2009". Air Transport World. 19 May 2009. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  48. ^ Hensel, Bill Jr. (29 January 2009). "Continental to leave SkyTeam alliance in October". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  49. ^ Flint, Perry (28 October 2009). "Continental joins Star Alliance". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  50. ^ Frary, Mark (20 June 2008). "Continental plans United tie-up; will leave SkyTeam for Star Alliance". The Times. UK. Retrieved 17 November 2010.(subscription required)
  51. ^ "SkyTeam Signs Preliminary Membership Agreement with Vietnam Airlines" (Press release). SkyTeam. 15 April 2009. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  52. ^ Barry, Colleen; David, Ariel (13 January 2009). "Alitalia starts new life as first flights take off". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. 
  53. ^ a b "SkyTeam names managing director, Introduces Aircraft Livery" (Press release). SkyTeam. 1 April 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  54. ^ "Privatised Olympic Air says set for launch Oct 1". Reuters. 17 September 2009. Archived from the original on 23 September 2009.
  55. ^ "Olympic Air and Delta ink codeshare deal". Travel Weekly. 27 September 2009.
  56. ^ Case No COMP/M.5830 – Olympic/ Aegean Airlines, REGULATION (EC) No 139/2004 MERGER PROCEDURE, Article 8 (3), Date: 26/01/2011
  57. ^ Air France and KLM Ink Deal with Greek Carrier for Island Connections
  58. ^ Kuhn, Megan (31 December 2009). "Delta, Northwest receive single operating certificate". FlightGlobal. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014.
  59. ^ a b Cantle, Katie (15 June 2010). "China Southern expanding cargo business". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 19 July 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  60. ^ "China Southern to join SkyTeam Cargo". Air Transport World. 11 March 2010. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  61. ^ "China Southern Airlines to Join Skyteam Cargo in 2010" (Press release). SkyTeam. 9 March 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  62. ^ Cantle, Katie (19 April 2010). "China Eastern agrees to join SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 28 August 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  63. ^ "China Eastern to join SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 16 April 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  64. ^ a b c "Vietnam Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  65. ^ Francis, Leithen (10 June 2010). "Vietnam Airlines formally joins SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. Singapore. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  66. ^ Karp, Aaron (23 June 2010). "SkyTeam eyes further expansion on 10th anniversary". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  67. ^ a b "SkyTeam Celebrates Tenth Anniversary" (Press release). SkyTeam. 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  68. ^ "SkyTeam triples membership in first decade, upgrades three airlines, signs pilot JV". Centre for Aviation. 23 June 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012.
  69. ^ a b "TAROM Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  70. ^ "SkyTeam Offers Lower Fares with Round the World Promotion" (Press release). SkyTeam. 8 July 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2010.
  71. ^ "SkyTeam Newsflash August 2010" (Press release). SkyTeam. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013.
  72. ^ "SkyTeam looking for new partners in Latin America, Asia and Africa". eTurboNews. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  73. ^ "Delta says SkyTeam could invest more in JAL". Forbes. Reuters. 20 November 2009. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  74. ^ "Japan Airlines Opts To Remain in Oneworld Alliance". AviationNews. 16 February 2010. Archived from the original on 19 September 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  75. ^ "JAL to stay with American Airlines: Reports". The Economic Times. 8 February 2010. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. 
  76. ^ Cantle, Katie (15 September 2010). "China Airlines officially commits to join SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  77. ^ "China Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 14 September 2010. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  78. ^ Cantle, Katie (13 September 2010). "China Airlines expected to join SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 18 November 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  79. ^ "SkyTeam to Welcome Aerolineas Argentinas as Future Member" (Press release). SkyTeam. 19 October 2010. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  80. ^ Karp, Aaron (20 October 2010). "Aerolineas Argentinas to become first SkyTeam member in South America". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  81. ^ "Aerolineas Argentinas joins SkyTeam". eTravel Blackboard. 21 October 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
  82. ^ "Shanghai Airlines To Become Part of SkyTeam" (Press release). Skyteam. 1 November 2010. Archived from the original on 5 November 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  83. ^ "Garuda Indonesia Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 23 November 2010. Archived from the original on 10 February 2013.
  84. ^ a b "Xiamen Airlines becomes 19th member of SkyTeam". Centre for Aviation. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013.
  85. ^ "Saudi Arabian Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014.
  86. ^ "SkyTeam to Welcome Middle East Airlines as Future Member" (Press release). SkyTeam. 19 January 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014.
  87. ^ "Middle East Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 28 February 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014.
  88. ^ Armitstead, Louise (20 February 2011). "Air France and Delta to target Virgin Atlantic". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 25 June 2012.
  89. ^ Cantle, Katie (23 June 2011). "China Eastern becomes 14th SkyTeam member". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012.
  90. ^ a b c "China Eastern Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2013.
  91. ^ a b "China Airlines Joins SkyTeam". SkyTeam. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013.
  92. ^ Cantle, Katie (22 November 2011). "Xiamen Airlines will join SkyTeam by end 2012". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  93. ^ Reals, Kerry (17 November 2011). "China's Xiamen signs up to join SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. London. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  94. ^ Linda Blachly (31 May 2012). "Saudia joins SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  95. ^ a b "Saudia Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). Skyteam. 29 May 2012. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012.
  96. ^ "Saudi Arabian Airlines, now known as Saudia, joins SkyTeam and adds 35 destinations". Centre for Aviation. 29 May 2012. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2012. Flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines formally joined the SkyTeam alliance on 29-May-2012, becoming the alliance's 16th global member and first member from the Middle East. The carrier also used the occasion to re-brand, adopting its old name of "Saudia".
  97. ^ a b "Middle East Airlines Joins SkyTeam" (Press release). SkyTeam. 28 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  98. ^ "Lebanon's Middle East Airlines (MEA) second at bat for SkyTeam in the Middle East". Centre for Aviation. 28 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  99. ^ Russell, Edward (30 August 2012). "Aerolineas Argentinas joins SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. Buenos Aires. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  100. ^ a b "Aerolineas Argentinas tries to overcome troubled past and continued challenges as it enters SkyTeam". Centre for Aviation. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  101. ^ Paylor, Anne (30 August 2012). "Aerolíneas Argentinas becomes SkyTeam's first South American member". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  102. ^ Walker, Karen (22 November 2012). "Xiamen joins SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  103. ^ "Xiamen Airlines joins SkyTeam alliance". FlightGlobal. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  104. ^ a b "SkyTeam Welcomes Xiamen Airlines" (Press release). SkyTeam. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  105. ^
  106. ^ "Aeroflot unable to join SkyTeam's trans-Atlantic JV but seeks new option and JVs to Europe & Asia". Centre for Aviation. 2 December 2013. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013.
  107. ^ a b "Garuda Indonesia Becomes 20th Member of SkyTeam Alliance" (Press release). SkyTeam. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. 
  108. ^ Waldron, Greg (5 March 2014). "Garuda officially enters SkyTeam". FlightGlobal. Singapore. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. 
  109. ^ Blachly, Linda (5 March 2014). "Garuda Indonesia joins SkyTeam". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. 
  110. ^ "Garuda gives SkyTeam leading presence in Southeast Asia as Garuda's international profile is raised". Centre for Aviation. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014.
  111. ^ "China Southern to Leave SkyTeam on December 31st 2019". 24 December 2019.
  112. ^ "Confirmed: Air Europa Will Depart SkyTeam Following IAG's Acquisition". 4 November 2019.
  113. ^ "IAG finally agrees to buy Air Europa, brand to remain, leaving SkyTeam?". Head for Points. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  114. ^ "IAG says Air Europa deal may take at least 18 months". Reuters. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023.
  115. ^ IAG Becomes Air Europa's Second-Largest Shareholder With 20% Stake
  116. ^ The Air Europa Fleet In 2022
  117. ^ Schuurman, Richard (23 February 2023). "IAG and Globalia agree on Air Europa deal". AirInsight. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  118. ^ Devereux, Charlie (23 February 2023). "IAG agrees to buy 80% stake in Air Europa for 400 mln euros". Reuters. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  119. ^ Pierre Regibeau: "We will ensure that the routes are not lost after the acquisition of Air Europa by Iberia", March 24, 2023
  120. ^ "'Arrivederci': Final flight for Italy's troubled airline Alitalia". 14 October 2021.
  121. ^ Singh, Jay (17 October 2021). "ITA Plans SkyTeam Alliance Membership And Partnerships". Simple Flying. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  122. ^ a b "SkyTeam-ITA". skyteam.com. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  123. ^ "SkyTeam dà il benvenuto a ITA Airways a bordo" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  124. ^ Lufthansa’s Strategy for ITA Airways: Investment, Codeshare, and the Return of Alitalia Brand
  125. ^ Lufthansa Targets 2 Years For Payoff From ITA Airways Deal
  126. ^ "ITA Airways, Lazzerini conferma: "Entreremo in Star Alliance, Volare resta e non esisterà mai una award chart"". 24 April 2023.
  127. ^ Wissenbach, Ilona; Amante, Angelo; Fonte, Giuseppe (30 November 2023). "Lufthansa seeks EU antitrust approval for ITA Airways stake purchase". Reuters. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  128. ^ "EU to review Ita-Lufthansa deal 'as quickly as possible' - English". ANSA.it. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  129. ^ Lufthansa's ITA Airways deal could reduce competition, EU warns
  130. ^ Rains, Taylor. "Delta is severing ties with Russia's flag carrier Aeroflot". Business Insider.
  131. ^ "KLM stops codesharing with Aeroflot and cancels flights to Russia". Aviation24.be. 26 February 2022.
  132. ^ a b Shlappig, Ben. "Russia's Aeroflot Suspended from Skyteam". One Mile at a Time.
  133. ^ "Virgin Atlantic To Join SkyTeam On March 2". Simple Flying. 9 February 2023.
  134. ^ "SAS reaches major milestone in SAS FORWARD – announces the winning consortium, including details of the transaction structure - SAS". www.sasgroup.net. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  135. ^ "About Us". SkyTeam. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  136. ^ "SkyTeam history at a glance" (PDF). SkyTeam. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 October 2013.
  137. ^ "Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam Alliance today" (Press release). Amsterdam: SkyTeam. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  138. ^ Hardiman, Jake (28 April 2022). "Aeroflot Is Suspended From The SkyTeam Alliance". Simple Flying. London. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  139. ^ "2001".
  140. ^ "Programma MilleMiglia – Alitalia".
  141. ^ "Update: SkyTeam and China Southern" (Press release). SkyTeam. 15 November 2018. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019.
  142. ^ Flottau, Jens (4 February 2019). "Oneworld: 'No plans' to add China Southern". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 5 February 2019.
  143. ^ "Continental Airlines leaves SkyTeam for Star Alliance – USATODAY.com". USA Today.
  144. ^ Jones, Geoff (2 April 2018). Northwest Airlines: The First Eighty Years. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738534152 – via Google Books.
  145. ^ "CONTINENTAL / COPA LEAVES SKYTEAM 24OCT09". Airline Route. 23 October 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2015. 
  146. ^ Sobie, Brendan (10 November 2010). "Both Avianca-TACA and Copa to join Star Alliance". FlightGlobal. Miami. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Copa has been considering joining Star since 2008, when it decided to exit SkyTeam. It formally left in October 2009 with close partner and former part-owner Continental Airlines.
  147. ^ "Copa Airlines joins Star Alliance, the leading global airline network" (Press release). Copa Airlines. 21 June 2012. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013.
  148. ^ Blachly, Linda (21 June 2012). "Copa, AviancaTaca join Star Alliance". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  149. ^ "SkyTeam Cargo Fact Sheet" (PDF). SkyTeam Cargo. 5 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2013.
  150. ^ "Aerolineas Argentinas Cargo Joins the SkyTeam Cargo Alliance" (Press release). SkyTeam Cargo. 6 November 2013. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013.
  151. ^ "SkyTeam Cargo: Saudia Cargo joined the alliance as its 12th member • LOGISTIK express ZEITSCHRIFT". LOGISTIK express ZEITSCHRIFT (in German). 24 April 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  152. ^ "SkyTeam Livery Fact Sheet" (PDF). SkyTeam. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 August 2016.

External links[edit]